Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag Raising Ceremony for Saint Lucia

February 22, 2023

Video available at: https://youtu.be/uXQkryZbNTI

Pastor Gil Monrose, Faith Advisor, Office of the Mayor: Please receive the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams.

Mayor Eric Adams: Thanks so much, pastor, for being just a friend and an advisor throughout the years. I remember traveling with him together as we visited many of the Caribbean diaspora during our time together in Brooklyn Borough Hall. I remember raising the flag as the borough president outside the Borough Hall. I want to thank your consul general, Consul General Hyacinth, for his friendship and being a strong voice. My commissioner — Commissioner Mermelstein, and his team — we have done some amazing things together. One thing I'm clear on, this is not St. Lucian weather. Why was this not done in the summertime? This is not too cold, and I have a rich staffer who never lets me forget — Brad, never lets me forget that he's from St. Lucia. You know, your dad is here. Your father's here?

[Crosstalk.]

All right. You did a great job with him. But 10,000 strong, very powerful population. When you do an analysis of how close our election was, you begin to really benefit and understand how 10,000 people unified together can send a powerful message. Coming from Brooklyn, which is the Caribbean diaspora of America, we have the largest Caribbean population in the borough of Brooklyn than anywhere in the country. Your contribution as small business owners, believing in education, believing in public safety, believing in faith, and understanding the power of our religious belief. Also, believing that in New York City you have a lot of idiots that you have to ignore as you move forward.

Understanding this community has been just an amazing relationship throughout the years. I cannot thank you enough. And for the first time, you are raising your flag here at Bowling Green. For the first time, it is stating that your contributions to this city is not only localized to the borough of Brooklyn, but throughout the entire city. This is a very significant moment; we've raised many of our other countries — their flags here. Because we want to send a loud and clear message that this is a country of diversity. No one knows it better than New York City. So, I thank you. 44 years of independence. On behalf of the 8.5 million people in our city, I'm going to give this to the consul general.

Jeremiah Hyacinth, Consul General of St. Lucia: Thank you, sir. I'm right here.

Mayor Adams: Whereas St. Lucia's official theme for this year's anniversary is douvan ansan.

Hyacinth: Ansanm.

Mayor Adams: Ansanm. "One people, shaping our destiny." Which inspires me to take this opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions and rich heritage of New York's vital St. Lucian community. Today's ceremony in Manhattan's historic Bowling Green Park, St. Lucian New Yorkers will commemorate their homeland's independence by raising its colorful flag. I just want to thank you.

I, Eric Adams, the mayor of the City of New York, February 22nd, 2023, in the City of New York, St. Lucian Heritage Day. Congratulations.

Good to see you brother.

Hyacinth: Thank you, sir.

Mayor Adams: Appreciate you, brother.